10+ hour, 40+ min ago (564+ words) Since 2010, data centers in Virginia have not had to pay the state's sales and use tax. At a rate of 4.3%, that foregone revenue adds up: Over the past decade, data centers have been exempt from paying $2.7 billion. The state lost out on $1 billion through the data center exemption in fiscal 2024, up from $685 million in fiscal 2023. That's according to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, which compiles an annual report on state spending for economic incentive programs. Those economic incentives are designed to encourage businesses to locate or expand operations in Virginia and include measures such as grants, tax credits and exemptions, business loans and gap financing. "So the tax revenue impact has been really increasing rapidly as well in Virginia." Virginia isn't the fastest-growing market for data centers any longer, Rephann said, as data center growth expands to other…...

1+ day, 19+ hour ago (584+ words) James Madison's women beat Virginia Tech 65-56 Sunday in Harrisonburg, finishing on a 12-1 run after trailing 55-53 with 3:36 remaining. Before 3,320 fans inside the Atlantic Union Bank Center, the Dukes (4-3) held the Hokies (5-1) to one field goal on their final seven attempts. JMU outrebounded Virginia Tech 47-27. JMU's Peyton McDaniel finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Graduate student Ashanti Barnes, from Lake Taylor High, tied her career high with 16 rebounds and registered 14 points. Zakiya Stephenson, from Princess Anne High, had seven points and two steals. Virginia Tech's Carleigh Wenzel led all players with 20 points. Howard 64, William & Mary 53: The Tribe (1-4) lost to the Bison (6-1) in Washington, though W&M's Cassidy Geddes posted her first college double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds and Monet Dance had 12 points. W&M outrebounded Howard 40-32 but was hurt by 22 turnovers. Howard's Zennia Thomas had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Richmond 69, Navy 56: Maggie Doogan posted…...

2+ day, 4+ hour ago (1935+ words) Penn State's new career rushing leader is a guy who used to play for Norview High. Norfolk native Kaytron Allen ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Penn State's defense played its best game of the season to keep the Nittany Lions' bowl hopes alive with a 37-10 home win over Nebraska on Saturday night. Allen, who racked up 181 yards rushing in last week's win against Michigan State, became Penn State's career rushing leader with 3,954 yards, passing Evan Royster's 3,932, set in 2010. The senior back from Norfolk plowed through and zipped around the Huskers all night. Allen passed Saquon Barkley on the school's career rushing list in the first half before eclipsing Royster with a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter. By then, the Nittany Lions (5-6, 2-6 Big Ten) had put the game out of reach, scoring on five straight possessions while their…...

2+ day, 23+ hour ago (40+ words) Among Tech's visitors Saturday were Denbigh High quarterback Kevin Parker, Tabb offensive lineman Tyler Maddock, both class of 2027, and at least a handful of 2026 players who had previously committed to Franklin at Penn State. More in Sports Columnists...

5+ day, 39+ min ago (25+ words) All four teams enter the intense rivalry game on a losing streak, adding an extra dynamic to this year's matchup. More in College Sports...

5+ day, 15+ hour ago (264+ words) Firearm injuries'are down 12% and homicides'have decreased by nearly 9% in Virginia over the past five'years, but suicides using firearms are on the rise, according to data the Virginia Department of Health presented Wednesday. Members of the Virginia State Crime Commission gathered in Richmond to hear from department officials and Virginia State Police on data related to gun violence. Firearm injuries that were recorded in emergency departments in the state decreased 12% from 2020 to 2024, said Lauren Yerkes, senior epidemiologist for injury and violence with the Department of Health. Injuries peaked in 2021, when 2,818 firearm-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms. In these five years, the cost of these injuries and hospitalizations'to patients in Virginia was $737 million, or about $148 million per year. For suicides, Virginia Beach ranked second in the state for the number of people who died using a firearm, with an average of…...

5+ day, 16+ hour ago (40+ words) He would probably tell you that there was a time that he was thinking, 'Maybe I'll take this buyout and sit out a year,'" Bud Foster said. "But he's a competitor and he's very driven....

5+ day, 20+ hour ago (184+ words) Norfolk City Council members unanimously approved the installation of several automatic license plate reader cameras near the future Norfolk casino site. The approved ordinance allows casino operator Boyd Gaming to install several Flock Safety cameras and mobile camera trailers at eight locations around the casino property and Harbor Park downtown. The ordinance was approved Tuesday as part of the City Council consent agenda and without any discussion. No public speakers spoke on the issue. In total, Boyd plans to place 11 license plate reader cameras on Park and Lovitt avenues, plus four mobile trailers close to parking lots along Park Avenue, Lovitt Avenue, Clay Avenue and Interstate 264, according to city documents. Only some of the cameras required permission from City Council to encroach the public right-of-way, according to the ordinance. Casino representatives did not respond to a request for comment. The…...

6+ day, 11+ hour ago (23+ words) The Spartans and Pirates both play their season finales Saturday, NSU for coach Michael Vick, HU for Trent Boykin. More in College Sports...

1+ week, 15+ hour ago (275+ words) Stephen Edwards, the CEO of the Port of Virginia, will leave his post at the end of the year for a job in the private sector. Edwards" tenure began in January 2021." He is credited with overseeing significant growth at the port during an uncertain period for the industry. Since 2020, the POV has seen a 25% growth in containers " more than any other U.S. port " has seen a 53% increase in operating revenues and has reduced lost workdays to safety issues by 43%, according to the port"s data. Among his accomplishments are renegotiating the lease for the Virginia International Gateway container terminal and making the port 100% reliant on clean energy sources in 2024, eight years ahead of the original target. John W. "Bill" Kirk III, chairman of the Virginia Port Authority"s Board of Commissioners, said Edwards positioned Virginia for "continued success." "We cannot overstate the…...